Examining Mavs’ Salary Cap, Decisions for 2024 NBA Free Agency After Finals Loss
Examining Mavs’ Salary Cap, Decisions for 2024 NBA Free Agency After Finals Loss0 of 3
Kyrie Irving and Luka DoncicRocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images
Although the Dallas Mavericks reached the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 years, they’re entering the offseason on a sour note.
On the way to the championship round, the Mavs dispatched the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. They entered the Finals as the underdog to the Boston Celtics, who ended up winning the series in five games.
But there is a bright side.
Dallas can basically run it back in 2024-25 behind Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and several key players still under contract. While canges may be coming, the Mavs certainly don’t need a makeover in the summer.
Salary Cap1 of 3
Daniel GaffordJesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
While the Mavericks are a bit limited in ability to make a splashy move, they really don’t need to pursue one, either.
Entering the offseason, Dallas already has 13 players under contract for next season. The combined total due is $174.9 million, which is just above the projected $172 million luxury tax.
As a result, the Mavs should be able to bring in a free agent with the $5.2 million taxpayer mid-level exception (TMLE).
Keeping the majority of the roster together does not guarantee improvement next season, of course. But after reaching the NBA Finals and playing competitively on the championship stage, Dallas can be very selective about how it tweaks the roster.
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Derrick Jones Jr.Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images
From a rotation perspective, Derrick Jones Jr. is the Mavericks’ lone player with an expiring contract.
Jones, who earned $2.7 million this season, held a starting job and enjoyed an efficient, productive run in the playoffs. He deserves a raise, but will Dallas be doling it out?
Markieff Morris totaled just 216 minutes in 26 appearances during the regular season and didn’t hit the floor in the playoffs. However, his veteran leadership has been cited multiple times as a positive for the Mavs. He’s a definite candidate to return on a minimum deal.
Dante Exum has no guaranteed money for next season, and Jaden Hardy is guaranteed $400,000 of his $2 million. Both of those decisions will be made in June, but they are inexpensive to keep.
If the Mavericks want to free space, trading Tim Hardaway Jr. and his expiring $16.2 million deal is likely the first choice. However, any agreement may require attaching a draft pick to shed his salary.
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Royce O’NealeChristian Petersen/Getty Images
Short of an unexpected trade—beyond a possible cap-clearing deal of Hardaway—Dallas has limited cap space.
The good news, though, is the $5.2 million TMLE will be attractive on the market. While not enough to land a legitimate star, it’s plenty for a complementary player who is prioritizing a chance to play for a title.
Royce O’Neale is a quality three-and-D option who shot 37.0 percent from the perimeter this season. Cedi Osman brings more of a shooting threat than defensive resistance, a delicate balance for the Doncic-led team. Still, Osman may be a candidate in the price range, like Cam Reddish.
Even if Exum returns, his injury history means Dallas would benefit from adding another ball-handler.
Perhaps the list begins with a veteran ring-chaser, such as Chris Paul or Kyle Lowry. They might command a bigger contract, but it’s worth mentioning. Otherwise, the Mavs can pivot to Cameron Payne or take an upside swing on Lonnie Walker IV.
